The Best Silver Polishes

After testing 21 different products, the GHRI designated these silver polishes as the top shiners.

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'Tis the season for fancy dinners — and the annoying chore of polishing flatware. We tested 21 products, including liquids, pastes, wipes, and gloves, to see how quickly, easily, and thoroughly they removed tarnish — and even if they kept it from coming back.

Best in Show

Weiman Royal Sterling Silver Polish earned a nearly perfect score in our test, removing tarnish most effectively and efficiently. This liquid spiffed up our silverware fastest (less than one minute per piece) and did the best job of the winners at retarding tarnish's return, even after six weeks. Weiman Royal Sterling Silver Polish, $4.59, Weiman Products; weiman.com or 800-837-8140.

The Twinkle Silver Polish Kit, which includes a thick cream polish and sponge applicator, really buffed up the patina, especially on the more heavily tarnished pieces. The Twinkle was the fastest-acting of the pastes, burnishing each utensil in about a minute and a half. While it took a bit longer to use than the Weiman, it left behind a slightly better shine. Twinkle Silver Polish Kit, $3, Malco Products; twinklepolish.com or 800-253-2526.

Convenience Choice

Connoisseurs Silver Wipes did a very good job without the mess of liquid or paste, and were especially useful for getting between fork tines. While their cleaning results weren't quite as stellar (or as fast, at about two minutes per item) as our other picks, these easily beat the other wipes tested. Connoisseurs Silver Wipes, $6 for 10 cloths, Connoisseurs Product Corporation; connoisseurs.com or 800-851-5333.

GHRI Advice

After use, store silver in special antitarnish bags, or wrap in acid-free tissue paper and seal in zipper-topped plastic bags.